What would you do, point planning

[cobbler]

Ok, brief run down. We are inviting family to come down with us (yes I know the trials of inviting family) but we have it all worked out.

We are going to borrow points, but we are going down anyway and the point usage for us wouldn't be that much over switching to a one bedroom if necessary, so we would only be out a max of 7 points if they bail.

There will be 8 of us, so I thought 2 bedroom, but I was running some point comparisons and wondered what would you do.

Here is what I have come up with, (Of course this is contingent upon availability) going April 27th for 5 or 6 nights.

Our back up plan if anyone bails is a 1bdrm at VWL for 204 points.

1 - OKW 2bd for 6 nights 211 points
2 - 2 studios at OKW for 6 nights 156 points

3 - SSR 2bd for 5 nights 175 points
4 - 2 studios at SSR for 6 nights for 180 points

5 - AKL 2bd Savannah for 5 nights 194 points
6 - 2 studios AKL Savannah 6 nights at 196 pionts

7 - VWL 2bd 5 nights 194 points
8 - 2 studios at VWL 6 nights 196 points

Right now it seems as if going the 2 studio route would save us some major points, especially if we go OKW. However in the 2nd studio there will be 4 adults, but then I think, hay we are providing it's free to them so they can deal with it. But we also want to go with the impressive factor and such too.

So, what would you do and why????

Should I ask them their opinion, show them floor plans or just kind of tell them this is where we are staying and that is how it is?

 

[Candace]

I have stayed in all but AKL, and the only one I would want 8 people in is OKW, just because of the size. It may be just me, but 8 people in any of the other resort 2BR is too crowded. The living room is huge with a real table and chairs, the balcony is really big, so that's another space for spreading out, the second bedroom has two beds (always). Just my ideas........

 

[jekjones1558]

I agree 100% with Candace. No other DVC 2 bedroom is large enough for 8 people. Neither are 2 studios. And the OKW 2 bedroom will have a "WOW" factor. Good luck!

 

[bobbiwoz]

For a 5-6 night vacation with family/friends, I really like to have a gathering place, living room. I agree that OKW has the best living quarters, but we've been happy at BWV as well. Our group seemed more cramped when we gathered at VWL for my DSon's birthday party last year (even though we do love VWL).

Given your choices, I would first choose OKW 2 bedroom, and then my choice would be Savannah View 2 bedroom because of the animals. I would also seriously consider my third choice, a 2 bedroom at SSR. I probably wouldn't ask the guests, but would ask my immediate family to choose.

Bobbi

 

[castleri]

In the 2BRs you will have 1 king bed, 2 queens or a queen and double sofa in the second bedroom and a queen sofa in the living room so you do have the equivalent of 4 people in the second bedroom no matter what. I would go with OKW 2 BR for all the reasons already mentioned. It is the only currently available 2BR unitl I would consider with 8 people. Think carefully about how you will set up the sleeping arrangements before you decided. You don't say what the exact makeup of your group is as that may make a difference if you have some children in the group.

 

[cobbler]

Yep we will have 6 adults and 2 kids. My and hubby will get the king bed, our kids will get the sleeper sofa and the other 2 couples will get the second room. It is my dad and stepmom and my stepmoms brother and wife. We have met them before, and even stayed at their house and they are a very nice couple. We figured since we would be getting a 2 bedroom anyway because of my dad and stepmom, why not invite them along so we could do some grand gathering things.

ETA:

Well at least the consensus is a 2 bedroom over 2 studios. So I am pretty sure I will go that route. When we travel with our family (hubby, me and our 2 kids) we get a one bedroom. And the only other time we went with family we had 2 rooms at FQ.

I did email them and say well we can stay 6 nights at OKW, but 5 at the rest and let them know the rooms would be a bit smaller in the other resorts, but wanted to at least make them feel included anyway.

 

[Scraper]

Don't forget studios do not have large refridgerators and full kitchens which can help with food expenses. We had 8 people at BCV and had plenty of room. OKW is much larger though. Our kids were never in the room though they were at the pool.

 

[castleri]

I would make certain you explain the sleeping situation to them. I can't get my DH to stay at someone's home for a visit let alone sleep in the same room with another couple. Depending on the children's ages I might consider putting them on air beds next to the king bed, next to the jacuzzi or in the laundry room so each couple would have some private space. You know them best but I would at least let them know if you haven't already.

 

[JimC]

Agree that OKW is the best option for either studio or two bedroom because of their size and point requirements. Staying Sun to Fri (5 weeknights) is a good strategy to save points. You could always add the sixth night on cash.

As far as 2 bedroom vs studio -- I would go with 2 bedroom. Having the full kitchen, living area and laundry add to your flexibility and comfort.